A Feline-Friendly Guide: How to Compost Cat Litter & Create Garden Gold

Cats are a huge part of our lives, but their litter can be a significant contributor to our landfill waste. With millions of cats worldwide, the environmental impact of traditional cat litter disposal is a growing concern. But what if there was a better way?

This guide explores the practice of composting cat litter, a method that not only reduces waste but can also transform what was once trash into a valuable resource for your garden.

1. What is Litter Composting?

“Litter compost” simply means turning used cat litter (the safe, natural types) into compost. Composting is the process of breaking down organic waste (like food scraps, leaves, or natural cat litter) into nutrient-rich soil with the help of microbes, air, and moisture.

In this case, litter compost refers to compost made from biodegradable cat litter such as wood pellets, pine, paper, corn, or wheat—not clay or silica-based litter.

It’s important to note:

So, in simple words, Litter compost means reusing safe, natural bulk cat litter by composting it into soil-like material instead of throwing it away.

2. Why Compost Cat Litter?

The main motivation is environmental responsibility. Conventional clay and crystal litter are not biodegradable, lingering in landfills for centuries. In contrast, biodegradable litter composting diverts waste away from landfills and helps create nutrient-rich material for non-edible plants.

Key Benefits

• Waste Reduction: Lowers the environmental footprint of cat ownership.
• Garden Support: Produces organic matter that improves soil structure.
• Sustainable Living: Turns a daily necessity into an eco-friendly practice.

Note: Only certain types of litter are suitable. Choose products made from natural materials like pine, wheat, corn, or recycled paper. Avoid clay or silica gel litters, as they do not decompose properly.

3. Can All Cat Litter Be Composted?

Not all cat litters are suitable for composting. Here’s a breakdown:

• ✅ Compostable Options: Litter made from natural materials such as wood, paper, corn, wheat, or grass.
• ❌ Avoid: Clay-based or silica-based litters, as they do not break down naturally and may release harmful substances.

4. Safe Methods for Composting Cat Waste

Composting cat litter requires a different approach than regular kitchen scraps due to potential pathogens in cat waste, most notably Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is harmless to most healthy humans but can be a risk for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Here’s the key to safe composting: high-heat composting. This method is required to kill harmful pathogens.

Step 1: Choose the Right Litter

The most critical first step is selecting a compostable cat litter. You must use a biodegradable type made from materials like pine, corn, wheat, or paper. Avoid litters made from clay or silica gel, as these will not break down in the compost pile.

Step 2: Set Up a Dedicated Compost Bin

You need a separate, enclosed compost bin specifically for cat waste. Do not use your regular food compost bin. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures that only properly processed material is used on your plants. A tumbler-style composter works well, as it’s easy to turn and can reach high temperatures.

Step 3: Remove Solid Waste

Before adding litter to the bin, always scoop out and dispose of the solid waste separately. While some expert methods may include solid waste, removing it significantly reduces the risk of pathogens and makes the process cleaner and safer for home use.

Step 4: Add the Litter and Balance the Materials

Add the scooped-out litter to your dedicated bin. For the compost pile to reach the necessary high temperatures, you need a balanced mix of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials).

• Greens: Add fresh grass clippings, coffee grounds, or green leaves.
• Browns: Add wood chips, straw, sawdust, or shredded paper.

A good ratio is about two parts browns to one part greens. This balance is crucial for a successful decomposition process.

Step 5: Maintain High Temperatures and Turn the Pile

To kill pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii, your compost pile needs to reach and maintain temperatures of at least 140°F (60°C) for several days. Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature.

You must turn the pile regularly—at least once a week—to introduce oxygen and distribute the heat evenly. This is the most important part of the process, as it ensures all material is properly composted and sanitized. The pile will be ready when it has a uniform, earthy smell and looks like dark, rich soil.

5. Alternative Solutions for Waste Management

For those who find the high-heat composting process too complex or time-consuming, there are modern alternatives available. These systems are designed to simplify pet waste disposal, offering a convenient way to manage waste in a contained and hygienic manner.

One such solution is the Neakasa PooGuard Pet Waste Disposal System. Unlike traditional bins, PooGuard provides:

• Fully Enclosed System: Keeps waste sealed to prevent contamination.
• Advanced Odor Control: Blocks unpleasant smells for a fresher home.
• Hands-Free Convenience: Simple drop-and-seal design, eliminating the need for frequent trips to the trash.
• Hygienic Solution: Reduces bacteria spread and keeps litter management more sanitary.

Step 1: Scoop the litter

First, scoop the used cat litter.

Step 2: Drop the waste

Drop the scooped waste into the system’s wide opening for a mess-free disposal.

Step 3: Pull and push the drawer

Finally, use the smooth-sliding handle to pull and push the drawer, which seals away the waste with one hand.

By combining eco-friendly composting practices with innovative products like Neakasa PooGuard, cat parents can reduce their environmental footprint while keeping their home clean and odor-free.

6. Using Composted Cat Litter in the Garden

Once your composted cat litter is fully processed, the next step is deciding where to use it. This is important for both plant health and safety.

Best Uses:

• Around ornamental plants such as shrubs, flowers, and decorative trees.
• As a soil amendment for lawns, it helps improve texture and moisture retention.
• Under non-edible landscape trees to enrich the soil naturally.

Never Use on Edible Plants:
Cat litter compost should not be applied to vegetables, herbs, or fruit trees. The reason is Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found in cat feces that can survive in soil for months. While proper hot composting reduces risk, there’s no guarantee that every pathogen is destroyed. Using it on food crops can expose you and your family to health risks, especially pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

How to Spread & When to Use:

• Wait at least 6–12 months after composting before applying the material. This ensures the pile has fully cured and pathogens have broken down.
• Apply a thin layer around the base of shrubs or trees, then cover with mulch to lock in nutrients and prevent direct contact.
• For lawns, lightly rake in a thin layer to improve soil structure without creating odor issues.

By keeping cat litter compost strictly for ornamentals, you’ll stay on the safe side while still giving your garden a sustainable boost.

Also Read: Can Maggots Kill a Cat

7. Compostable Cat Litter Bags: What You Need to Know

If you’re trying to go fully eco-friendly, you’ve probably noticed “biodegradable” and “compostable” bags in the pet aisle. They sound similar, but they aren’t the same thing.

Biodegradable vs. Compostable:

• Biodegradable means the material will eventually break down, but it doesn’t say how long or under what conditions. Some biodegradable plastics only break down into smaller microplastics, which isn’t truly eco-friendly.
• Compostable means the bag is designed to break down into natural elements (like water, CO₂, and biomass) within a specific time frame under composting conditions.

What to Look For on the Label:

• BPI Certification – In North America, this shows the bag meets ASTM D6400/D6868 standards. These are meant for industrial composting facilities that run piles at very high, controlled temperatures.
• OK Compost INDUSTRIAL – Another certification, also meant for municipal or commercial compost sites.
• OK Compost HOME – This is the gold standard if you want to compost at home. It means the bag will break down in backyard composting conditions at lower temperatures.

The Problem: Most cat litter bags marketed as “compostable” are industrial-only. If your city doesn’t accept pet waste in its compost program—or if you’re composting at home—these bags won’t fully break down. In a backyard pile, they may linger just like regular plastic.

Best Practice:

• For home composting, always look for OK Compost HOME on the packaging.
• If you only have access to industrial-certified bags, it’s safer to use them for disposal in the trash rather than risk contamination in your compost.

By knowing the difference, you can avoid greenwashing and make sure your eco-friendly choices truly benefit the planet.

Also Read: Cat Pee Turns Litter into Mud | Reasons & Solutions

8. Composting With Feces vs. Without

One of the biggest questions cat parents face is whether to compost only the used litter or to include feces as well. The answer depends on how much risk you’re willing to manage.

• Without Feces:
  Composting just the urine-soaked litter is the safest and simplest method. Cat urine contains nitrogen that helps the composting process, but it doesn’t carry the same pathogen risks as feces. This makes the resulting compost safer for ornamental use and easier to manage at home.
• With Feces:
  Adding cat poop to your compost is possible, but it comes with a serious caveat: feces may contain Toxoplasma gondii. Unless your compost pile consistently reaches and maintains high temperatures (140°F / 60°C+), the parasite may survive. For most backyard composters, this is difficult to guarantee.

Best Practice:
Set up a dedicated compost bin for all soiled litter (whether you include feces or not). Never mix it with your kitchen scraps or household compost, as this risks cross-contamination. Label the bin clearly, keep it separate, and only use the finished compost on non-edible plants.

Also Read: Maggots in Cat Litter Boxes: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions

9. Why Clay & Crystal Litters Don’t Work in Compost

Not all litters are created equal, and two types should be avoided at all costs if you’re aiming for an eco-friendly setup: clay and silica crystal litters.

• Clay Litter (Bentonite):
  This is the most common type found in stores. It’s made by strip-mining bentonite clay, which is an environmentally destructive source. Once used, clay litter does not break down in compost or landfills. Instead, it hardens and can damage soil structure by reducing aeration and drainage.
• Silica Crystal Litter:
  Made from synthetic silica beads, this type absorbs moisture but is completely non-biodegradable. Even after years, it will remain intact in soil or landfill environments.

The Bottom Line:
Neither clay nor crystal litter can be composted. The only responsible disposal method is to bag it and put it in the trash. If your goal is sustainability, stick to plant-based or recycled-material litters that break down in a composting system.

Also Read: How to choose litter box for maine coon cats

10. Legal & Local Guidelines

Before tossing cat litter into your compost pile or city bin, always confirm whether it’s actually permitted in your area. Many municipalities prohibit pet waste in green bins or curbside compost programs due to health and safety concerns.

• For example, in Burbank, CA, pet waste and kitty litter are explicitly banned from the green cart—they must go in the trash. City of Burbank
• Similarly, Oakland, CA, forbids pet waste in compost bins; only plant-based organics are allowed. Oakland Recycles

Visit your municipality’s solid waste or recycling website. Often, they list “unacceptable items” for compost or green waste collection.

Call or email your waste hauler or municipal office. Ask directly: “Can I put cat litter or pet waste in the green bin?”

Use official composting guidelines or public resources. A few useful starting points include:

EPA’s guide to home composting (for general do’s/don’ts): EPA

11. Troubleshooting Compost Piles

Even well-managed compost piles can run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues:

• Bad smell? Add more browns (like dry leaves, shredded paper, or sawdust) to balance moisture and carbon.
• Too dry? Add water or more greens (like food scraps or grass clippings) to boost moisture.
• Temperature won’t rise? Increase your pile size and mix in more nitrogen-rich greens to fuel the heat.

Also Read: Comprehensive Guide to Storing Cat Litter

12. Tools & Tips to Handle Compost Cat Litter

Turning cat litter into compost is easier (and safer) when you have the right tools. These aren’t expensive or complicated, but they’ll save you time and help you get better results.

Compost Thermometer

A compost thermometer helps you track the internal temperature of your compost pile.

• Why it matters: Composting cat litter needs to hit 140–160°F (60–70°C) to kill harmful pathogens.
• Recommendation: A stainless steel, long-probe thermometer (18–20 inches) is best since it reaches deep into the pile. Brands like Reotemp or Cate’s Garden are affordable and reliable.

13. Ratios Chart for “Greens” vs. “Browns”

Balancing your compost is all about the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C: N ratio). Cat litter (if biodegradable) usually counts as “brown” (carbon-rich).

Quick Ratio Guide:

• Greens (Nitrogen-rich): Food scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds.
• Browns (Carbon-rich): Paper, cardboard, sawdust, cat litter made from wood, corn, wheat, or paper.

Ideal Ratio: ~ 2 parts brown: 1 part green
If your pile smells bad → add more browns.
If it looks too dry → add more greens + a little water.

14. Gloves & Safety Gear

Since cat waste can carry bacteria and parasites, handling compost safely is essential.

• Gloves: Use durable, waterproof gardening gloves.
• Mask (Optional): A simple dust mask helps when handling dry litter.
• Boots/Apron: To keep clothes clean when turning the pile.
• Hand Washing: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap afterward.

Pro tip: Dedicate a separate set of gloves and tools for your compost pile to avoid cross-contamination with your regular garden tools

Final Thoughts

Composting cat litter is an excellent way to reduce your environmental impact and give back to your garden. While it requires attention to detail—especially with the use of biodegradable litter and high-heat composting—the result is a valuable, nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Whether you choose a traditional composting method or opt for a modern disposal system to simplify the process, every step you take to manage your cat’s waste responsibly helps create a healthier planet.

FAQs About Composting Cat Litter